YKL-40 Levels in Ovarian Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Høgdall Estrid VS, Ringsholt Merete, Høgdall Claus K, Christensen Ib Jarle, Johansen Julia S, Kjaer Susanne K, Blaakaer Jan, Ostenfeld-Møller Lene, Price Paul A, Christensen Lise H
Primary Institution: Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the expression of YKL-40 in tumor tissue and plasma in patients with borderline ovarian tumor or epithelial ovarian cancer and investigate its prognostic value.
Conclusion
YKL-40 in ovarian cancer tissue and plasma is related to stage and histology, but only plasma YKL-40 is a prognostic biomarker in patients with ovarian cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- YKL-40 protein expression was higher in ovarian cancer than in borderline tumors.
- Plasma YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients compared to healthy controls.
- Elevated plasma YKL-40 was associated with shorter survival in ovarian cancer patients.
Takeaway
YKL-40 is a protein that can be found in the blood and tissues of ovarian cancer patients, and high levels in the blood can mean a shorter survival time.
Methodology
YKL-40 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in tissue arrays from 181 borderline tumors and 473 ovarian cancers, and plasma YKL-40 was measured by ELISA in preoperative samples.
Limitations
The study may not account for the heterogeneity of YKL-40 expression in tumor tissue.
Participant Demographics
Median age of patients with borderline tumors was 54 years, and with ovarian cancer was 59 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.40–3.25
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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